IN TRANSIT; Vancouver Food Carts Get New Rules

By REMY SCALZA

Published: February 27, 2011

In Vancouver, food carts are an emerging mini-industry. But new vendors who want to sell hot dogs and cheese-steak sandwiches may need to switch to healthier options. The city council decided last month that its criteria for granting licenses would include nutritional content; use of local and fair-trade foods; and diversity of options.

While the decision has some critics crying ''nanny state,'' others believe that the new rules will encourage an emphasis on quality. Last year, officials lifted a 1978 law that allowed food carts to sell only hot dogs, chestnuts and popcorn, unleashing a wave of creative new options, from beef teriyaki and wasabi subs (Fasttrac Fusion) to wild coho salmon sandwiches (Fresh Local Wild).